​Last Briton held at Guantanamo Shaker Aamer could be freed next month – lawyer

Shaker Aamer, the last British inmate held in the US prison facility at Guantanamo Bay, could be released in June, according to his lawyer.

Aamer, 46, who has been
held by the US in Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp since 2002, has
twice been cleared for release by Presidents Bush and
Obama.

The fact he has remained in prison despite high profile figures
in the British government calling for his release has led some to
question the strength of the ‘special relationship’ between the
UK and US.

Clive Stafford Smith, a lawyer with legal charity Reprieve, said
US government officials had told him Aamer would be released in
June.

Aamer has never been charged with a crime or faced trial since he
arrived at the high security prison in Cuba.

A group of doctors said he is currently suffering post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and asthma as a result of his
imprisonment.

He has also allegedly suffered torture during his 13-year
imprisonment, having been beaten on camera at least 315 times
during a process called “forcible cell extraction.”

Stafford Smith told the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire program: “I
have heard from various sources, which are very reliable that he
is to be released in June.

“But of course we’ve had promises before and the worst thing
one can do is, both for Shaker and for his wife and children, to
promise something that may not happen. But there's no good reason
why it wouldn't happen.”

Stafford Smith said the primary reason for Aamer’s impending
release is Obama’s pledge to close the detention center.

However, he also credited the people who have campaigned for his
release.

“It’s also down to the incredibly good work by so many
people, like Andrew Mitchell who visited the US with three other
MPs.

“I have a letter here with me from Shaker where he’s
incredibly grateful for that. So many people have done so many
great things to help him and I think that's had a great
impact.”

Four cross-party MPs including former international development
secretary, Andrew Mitchell, Jeremy Corbyn, former minister David
Davis, and Andy Slaughter met senior officials in Washington
earlier this month to negotiate Aamer’s release.

Prime Minister David Cameron raised the issue with President
Obama on his official visit to the US earlier this year.

Stafford Smith said that given Aamer’s case has been raised by
the highest levels of British government, “it is
incomprehensible that the United States would treat its oldest
ally and staunchest friend in this very cavalier way.”

The Foreign Office said in a statement: “The US authorities
have now prioritized this case for review and we welcome
President Obama's continuing commitment to closing the detention
facility at Guantanamo Bay.”